Acclaimed drama from director Ken Loach following a young boy from a working-class Northern town who begins training a falcon to find relief from his problems. Billy (David Bradley) appears to have little hope in his life. He is bullied by his brother and neglected by his mother, while his inability to pay attention at school suggests he is destined for a future spent working in the harsh conditions of the local mine. The discovery of a young kestrel falcon is an important event in his life. Caring for and training Kes becomes a positive way for him to express himself and, with the help of his English teacher, Mr Farthing (Colin Welland), Billy even begins reading books on falconry so he can take better care of his pet. However, as the problems at home continue, will Billy be allowed to develop his natural affinity with Kes?

A remake of the 1962 French film, relocated to Ireland. In a quiet corner of southwest Ireland the children of Carrickdowse and Ballydowse are involved in an undeclared war, which occurs without the knowledge of the adult population. The battle lines have already been drawn, but the war must be over by dinnertime!